Prime Minister to attend launch of new ambulance

PM to attend launch of new ambulance

Prime Minister John Key will attend the launch of the newest ambulance for Wellington Free Ambulance at Thorndon Station today (December 9), at 4.30 p.m.

Wellington Free Ambulance fundraises to pay for the six new ambulances it needs each year to replace those that are retired from service.

Each new ambulance costs just over $230,000 fully kitted out.

The launch will celebrate the 30th ambulance purchased from funds donated to Wellington Free Ambulance by the Odlin Trust over more than 60 years.

The Chair of the Odlin Trust, Peter Sherwin, says the ambulance launch is a fitting way to mark a long standing relationship started by the Odlin family in the early 1950s.

“The Trustees of the Charles and Florence Odlin Trust are delighted to donate an ambulance to Wellington Free Ambulance.

“Donating 30 ambulances in 62 years is an amazing legacy and tribute to the late Charles and Florence Odlin who established the Trust in 1952.

“It is very important for paramedics to have the best equipment for the job and we are delighted to donate another ambulance to the fleet,” Mr Sherwin says.

Wellington Free Ambulance Chief Executive Diana Crossan says the service is extremely grateful of the ongoing support of the Trust and this latest gift of a new ambulance.

In the early 1950s, Charles Odlin’s hardware business occupied the building neighbouring the Wellington Free Ambulance Station, now known as the St John Bar in Cable Street.

The Odlin family were recognised for their generosity through an honorary life membership of Wellington Free Ambulance.

ENDS

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